We know for many individuals, booking an Alaska cruise is on their bucket list. So to help those who are planning to cruise to Alaska in 2023, we've put together this article of our picks, the best Alaska Cruises.
Before you actually book an Alaska cruise, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Your cruise budget
- Your cruise departure point
- The cruise itinerary
- The make up of your travel party
Royal Princess
Royal Princess is sailing the Inside Passage round trip from Seattle in 2023.
The itinerary will visit all the popular stops, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Victoria, as well as cruise through Glacier Bay.
This 142,000 gross ton ship has a capacity of close to 3,600 guests at double occupancy. The ship features a large, inviting piazza, a variety of culinary treats and signature entertainment.
When not sightseeing, guests can unwind in the adults only sanctuary, enjoy shows in the main theater and Princess live, and dine at one of the many complimentary or specialty venues.
Further, you won't be able to beat the views from the Seawalk a 60 foot glass walkway, extending 28ft off the side of the ship.
Of course, Princess Cruises offers personalized and effortless vacations as well, with the use of its MedallionClass technology.
Royal Princess also has two sister ships cruising the region this year. Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess.
Discovery Princess
Discovery Princess is the newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet.
She'll be cruising round trip from Seattle as well. The itinerary will visit similar ports of call with scenic cruising in Endicott Arms and the Dawes Glacier.
Majestic Princess
Majestic Princess will also be cruising the region again in 2023. This year, the ship will feature one way itineraries from either Anchorage or Vancouver, British Columbia visiting typical Southeast Alaska ports of call. The ship also cruises through Glacier Bay and either College Fjord or the Hubbard Glacier.
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is making her return to Alaska in 2023.
The ship will sail the popular seven day round trip itinerary from Seattle. It will feature stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia. It will also cruise to spectacular Glacier Bay National Park.
There is even the option to extend the trip with a Pre-cruise land tour with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, making this an unforgettable 13 day Alaska adventure.
As the final ship in NCL's Breakaway-plus class, Norwegian encore is very similar to her sisters. Ncl Encore includes attractions like waterslides, two pools, a waterfront promenade, a racetrack, laser tag, and the virtual reality complex Galaxy Pavilion.
We love that this class of ship has plenty to offer. All types of travelers making it a great option for multi-generational families. Additionally, the ship features slight design and décor changes from her predecessors to places like the local and the Observation Lounge.
Norwegian Encore boasts a few unique features of her own, like the specialty restaurant Onda by Scarpetta.
Of course, cruises can still enjoy NCL favorite bars and restaurants, as well as the brand's signature freestyle approach to dining while cruising way up north.
Norwegian Bliss
Sister ship Norwegian Bliss will be joining Encore in Seattle again this year.
Norwegian Bliss will offer a similar seven day cruises to Alaska. Some itineraries will feature Icy Strait Point and Sitka as well. Norwegian encore is a 169,000 gross ton ship carrying close to 4000 guests at double occupancy.
Ovation of the Seas
As another one of the largest ships to cruise in Alaska, Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas also offers some of the most innovative features at sea, making it easily one of our picks for best Alaska Cruises of 2023.
Ovation of the Seas Will Sail Round trip from Seattle as well. Most of the ship's itineraries will feature stops in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Victoria with scenic cruising in Endicott arm.
Ovation of the Seas is nearly 169,000 gross tons and features several thrills for all ages, along with a variety of dining and entertainment options. The ship carries over 4,100 passengers at double occupancy, but the ship is built for cold water. Cruising the ship's SeaPlex is a massive indoor complex featuring bumper cars and roller skating.
There's also the innovative NorthStar. This aerial gondola extends 300ft above sea level for one of a kind views of the Alaskan landscape.
The ship also has a skydiving simulator and distinct entertainment in several venues, including Two70 and the Music Hall. Loyal to Royal Cruises will find signature bars and restaurants on Ovation of the Seas as well.
These include an English pub, the Schooner Bar Chops Grill, Izumi and the Windjammer Buffet. Not to mention there's the indoor solarium, plenty of whirlpools and an outdoor pool to enjoy while soaking in the views.
MS Koningsdam
Holland America Line has six ships scheduled to sail in Alaska for the 2023 cruise season. On the top of our list is MS Koningsdam.
This Pinnacle Class ship will be sailing seven-day round trip cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia. The itinerary will visit Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as cruising through Glacier Bay National Park.
There are also several different cruise and land tour options from Vancouver to Anchorage available ranging from 9 days to 14 days. These land tours include visits to the Yukon, Denali and more.
Koningsdam debuted in 2016 and is just slightly under 100,000 gross tons with 2650 passengers. Koningsdam is the perfect mid-size ship for your next Alaska cruise.
When you are not exploring the last frontier, MS Koningsdam offers plenty of top notch amenities, entertainment and dining as well.
There are theater performances on the world stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, Billboard onboard and the Lincoln Center stage, which all showcase amazing musicians.
Cruisers can also indulge in Pacific Northwest cuisine at the intimate Pinnacle Grill, as well as Italian, Asian and French dishes at other specialty restaurants on board the ship. There's even live cooking shows and BBC Earth experiences to bring you closer to nature through concerts and films.
New Amsterdam
If you're looking for other options to cruise Alaska with Holland America in 2023, New Amsterdam is another great pick.
The ship will sail one way itineraries in 2023 to and from Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. During these northbound and southbound journeys, cruisers will enjoy stops at the usual ports of call Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
The ship will also cruise Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord, or the Hubbard Glacier for some amazing scenic vistas.
Of course, you can also bucket your cruise on New Amsterdam with a Pre-cruise or Post-cruise land tours to Denali National Park. The ship is nearly 87,000 gross tons, with just over 2100 passengers at double occupancy.
New Amsterdam boasts several complimentary dining venues. Among them are the poolside dive in Burger, a pizza window, the Lido Market buffet, and the main dining room.
Carnival Luminosa
Making her debut in Alaska this year is Carnival Luminosa. Given that we love new ships, she definitely makes our list of the best Alaska cruises for 2023.
Carnival Luminosa will sail mostly seven night cruises round trip from Seattle. The itinerary includes Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Cruising Tracy on Fjord. There's also a brief evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia.
The ship is nearly 93,000 gross tons, carrying just over 2800 guests at double occupancy. The ship sailed as part of the Costa Cruises fleet since 2009, combining elements of the Spirit class and Vista class ships. Carnival Luminosa transferred and began cruising Australia as part of the Carnival fleet in November of 2022.
Carnival Luminosa features many fun ship favorites with Carnival, favorite bars, restaurants and the Cloud nine Spa. The Serenity Adult only Area and several family friendly activities. Some of these favorites include the Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555, Red Frog Rum Bar, the Piano Bar 88 and the Punch Line or Comedy Club.
Guests will also be treated to a few unique features on the ship. Carnival Luminosa includes a sliding sky dome over the pool deck, allowing the area to be used in all types of weather in Alaska.
This makes Carnival Luminosa a great ship for families traveling to Alaska.
Carnival Spirit & Carnival Miracle
Carnival Spirit will join Carnival Luminosa in Seattle, selling seven day round trip cruises.
Additionally, Carnival Miracle will operate ten day cruises to Alaska from its seasonal home port of San Francisco.
Celebrity Eclipse
Celebrity Eclipse is another one of our picks for Best Alaska Cruises 2023.
Cruising round trip from Vancouver, the seven day itineraries visit Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point along with cruising Hubbard Glacier, the longest Tidewater glacier in North America.
Celebrity Eclipse is a 122,000 gross ton vessel that's part of Celebrity Cruises beloved Solstice Class of ships. The ship carries just over 2850 passengers at double occupancy.
On Celebrity Eclipse you can play some bocce ball at the lawn or partake in a hot glass class. You can also enjoy some amazing views in the Sky Observation Lounge or sip a cocktail at the Sunset Bar, if the weather permits. After a long day exploring the Alaskan wilderness, you can relax in a solarium or the spa or join in on the fun at the martini bar. Indulge in some fine dining at Murano or Tuscan Grill, or take in a show at the theater. Not to mention there's other favorites like Café al Bacio for morning coffee or afternoon snacks and the world class bar for one of a kind cocktails.
Celebrity Solstice
Sister ship Celebrity Solstice will also be sailing in Alaska in 2023, making round trip journeys from Seattle, visiting similar ports and cruising Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Cruise Lines. Norwegian Spirit will also be featuring Alaska Cruises in 2023.
This newly revitalized ship will be sailing one-way itineraries to and from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. These itineraries will feature stops in Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Valdez, along with cruising the Hubbard Glacier.
There's also the option to add on a cruise tour with visits to Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, or even Homer.
In early 2020. Norwegian Spirit underwent a $100 million renovation, the most extensive bow to stern makeover in the company's history. The ship emerged from drydock with renovations to all dining venues, staterooms and public areas, as well as brand new hull art.
Norwegian Spirit is just over 75,000 gross tons and carries roughly 2000 passengers at double occupancy. Some of Norwegian Spirit's enhancements include a larger Mandara spa, complete with a new thermal suite and relaxation area.
The ship also boasts a new Onda by Scarpetta specialty restaurant. Other new additions to Norwegian spirit include an extra main dining room, the 24 hour local bar and grill, and the adults only retreat spice H2O. If you don't need all the bells and whistles of the larger mega ships, the Norwegian Spirit might be perfect for you. The ship still offers a classic freestyle experience, but with less crowds and less upcharges.
Disney Wonder
If you are looking for an Alaska cruise in 2023 with a little bit of extra magic, look no further than Disney Wonder. Even Disney cruise line cruises way up north to Alaska!
Disney Wonder will sail seven day round trip cruises from Vancouver. This year, the ship will visit popular ports in southeast Alaska, including Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as cruising the Stikine Icefield for glacier viewing.
Disney Wonder is one of Disney's five cruise ships, and the vessel weighs in at 83,000 gross tons and carries 2,400 passengers. A double occupancy Disney Wonder features plenty of Disney touches in its décor, dining and entertainment with character meet and greets.
The only cruise line with fireworks at sea and first run Disney movies, they'll be playing to keep the whole family busy between ports of call.
There are also Disney staples, like its rotational dining with three main dining rooms, including Triton's, The Animator's Palate and Tiana's Place, as well as the adult only Palo specialty restaurant, not to mention its Disney cruise line Silver Anniversary at sea. So they are sure to be many other surprises along the way.
As the only Disney cruise ship sailing the region, this is a must for all those Disney fans out there. However, Disney Cruises do come with a higher price tag than some of the other contemporary cruise lines.
Windstar Star Breeze
If you want to visit Alaska, but the larger cruise ships mentioned don't really appeal to you, then you should consider traveling with the small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises.
The Star Breeze will sail a variety of one-way itineraries ranging in length during the 2023 Alaska cruise season. There's also the option to include a land tour with your cruise.
The 13,000 gross ton ship recently underwent a major update in 2020 as part of the Star Plus initiative. During this process, the ship was lengthened by 84ft. This all new section includes a number of new cabins as well as some new public venues, in addition to several other improvements throughout the ship.
The Star Breeze holds just over 300 passengers, making it the perfect ship to access lesser visited areas in the region. While smaller in size, the ship still offers plenty of cruise staples from a pool, whirlpools and a spa, to bars, lounges and a variety of dining options. Cruisers will still have plenty to enjoy when not taking in the beautiful scenery.
Viking Orion
Offering another small ship experience in Alaska. Viking also features an ocean ship sailing in the region this season. Viking Orion will offer an 11 day Alaska and Inside Passage cruise in 2023.
This itinerary will sail from either Victoria, British Columbia or or Seward, Alaska. Viking Orion will visit Ketchikan. Juneau. Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Valdez. This itinerary also includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage and Yakutat Bay.
Further, there are several Pre-cruise and Post-cruise extensions available. The best part is this ship includes seven guided tours. Thus, Viking is one of our picks for the top Alaska cruises of 2023 for luxury travelers.
Along with a free tour in each port, Viking cruises includes wifi, no upcharges for specialty dining and complimentary room service. Guests can also enjoy included beer, wine and soft drinks at meals, specialty coffees and bottled water, plus access to the thermal suite and more without any nickel and diming.
At just under 48,000 gross tons, the vessel holds 930 passengers and boasts state of the art technology and all veranda staterooms. These destination focused itineraries complement the unparalleled service and inclusive nature of the cruise line.
Of course, the ship also offers upscale dining that is all included in the cruise fare. Bars and lounges with live music in the evenings and enrichment opportunities to fill your time between ports of call. You can even warm up with afternoon tea in the Winter Garden after a long day ashore.
Ruby Princess
Now, since Princess Cruises is known as one of the best cruise lines in Alaska, it's no surprise another ship made our list.
If you're looking for a unique departure point for your Alaska cruise, Ruby Princess will be offering ten day round trip voyages from San Francisco with two slightly different itineraries.
One itinerary includes Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, in addition to cruising Glacier Bay National Park.
While the other itinerary Cruises Endicott Arm and the Dawes Glacier. Ruby Princess is a 113,000 gross ton ship and carries just over 3,000 guests.
Onboard Ruby Princess guests will find familiar favorites for the cruise line: Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and the Crown Grill specialty restaurants will tempt your palate, while movies under the stars, live music and nightly theater productions will keep you entertained.
There's also the popular Good Spirits bar showcasing local ingredients and one of a kind cocktails. Further, you can relax in adults only sanctuary and rejuvenate on the princess luxury bed before another full day ashore exploring all that Alaska has to offer.
Not to mention Ruby Princess also offers the latest MedallionClass technology.